Adopting the theme “Living Landscapes: Charting a Sustainable Future,” the summit will gather young changemakers, environmental leaders, and Indigenous voices to collaborate on building a greener, more equitable world.

The summit will convene at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre and the Sarawak Cultural Village for the final day’s presentations and skill-building sessions. Over 300 participants have already confirmed attendance — including youth delegates from across ASEAN.

RAYS 2025 reflects a growing commitment to youth-led environmental initiatives, highlighting Sarawak’s commitment to empowering youth as catalysts for change. 

Sarawak’s Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, YB Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, remarked: “Our vision is one of connection — empowering tomorrow’s changemakers to take bold steps toward a sustainable future. Through RAYS 2025, we are creating a platform where youth across ASEAN can exchange ideas, build resilience, and inspire action to shape a greener, more sustainable world.”

RAYS 2025 will welcome over 15 inspiring speakers from 12 countries, featuring thought leaders and experts on key themes such as biodiversity preservation, rainforest wisdom, climate adaptation, youth advocacy, and sustainable development.

Among the distinguished speakers are global sustainability champions like Zoya Miari, Prachi Shevgaonkar, Mitzi Jonelle Tan, and Larissa Crawford, who have made waves in environmental activism and social impact. They will be joined by regional voices such as Joshua Anak Belayan, a passionate advocate for Indigenous communities, and Dr Ahmad Zafir Bin Abdul Wahab, a leading conservation biologist dedicated to preserving Malaysia’s rich biodiversity.

The summit will also culminate in an exceptional cultural experience at the Rainforest World Music Festival 2025, allowing participants to immerse themselves in Sarawak’s vibrant arts and cultural scene.

Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Puan Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, underscored Sarawak’s leadership in driving sustainable tourism and youth engagement, stating: “RAYS 2025 reflects Sarawak’s dedication to sustainability and youth empowerment.

We nurture ideas that will shape a more resilient and sustainable future by bringing together diverse voices — from Indigenous leaders to global climate advocates.”

Strategic partnerships play a vital role in elevating RAYS 2025. The summit is proudly aligned with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, further positioning Sarawak as a regional hub for sustainable initiatives. Additionally, RAYS 2025 is supported by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), which has actively engaged its ASEAN chapters to encourage student participation, and UN Tourism, further enhancing the summit’s global outreach and impact.

These partnerships strengthen RAYS 2025’s role as a regional hub for youth-driven environmental action, ensuring greater participation and knowledge exchange across ASEAN and beyond.

Tickets for RAYS 2025 are now available. Prices are MYR 300 for ASEAN participants, MYR 250 for RAYS alumni, and a discounted Group Pass of MYR230 per person for groups of five or more. For international attendees from outside ASEAN, tickets are priced at MYR500.

All RAYS 2025 tickets include general admission to Day 1 of the Rainforest World Music Festival 2025, ensuring participants can immerse themselves in Sarawak’s iconic celebration of music, culture, and heritage.

RAYS 2025 is organised by the Sarawak Tourism Board, endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP Sarawak) and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (MYSED Sarawak), and produced by Memories and Magnifico, with strategic partnerships from ASEAN, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), and UN Tourism.

For more information and registration details, visit www.rainforestyouthsummit.com.

For more information: Sarawak Tourism

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Customers can also use the local public transport services on their journey. Lufthansa boarding passes are also valid for journeys by bus, tram, underground, and S-Bahn to and from the Express Rail station.

All Lufthansa Express Rail destinations except Siegburg and Basel will receive the upgrade. Customers can use local public transport in 26 German cities before and after their airline journey. The City Ticket is valid once per direction on the day of validity for the journey to the Express Rail station or from there to the journey’s destination.

Demand for Lufthansa Express Rail has risen steadily in recent years. In 2024 alone, around 500,000 passengers used the service to arrive and depart at Frankfurt Airport. Lufthansa and DB further enhance their intermodal offering by integrating the City Ticket.

Lufthansa Express Rail is part of a cooperation between Lufthansa and DB that has been going on for over 20 years. With just one booking step, customers can purchase a combined ticket for train and flight and use it to conveniently use the train as a feeder to Frankfurt Airport from  26 German cities. This means that more than twice as many cities in Germany are connected by Lufthansa Express Rail than Lufthansa currently connects by plane. DB and Lufthansa offer over 240 ICE connections daily with a Lufthansa flight number (codeshare number).

Lufthansa Express Rail is a service designed to seamlessly integrate train and air travel, primarily focusing on connections to and from Frankfurt Airport (FRA). Here’s a breakdown of how it works for travellers:

Key Features and Benefits

Combined Booking: Lufthansa allows travellers to book their train and flight tickets together in a single transaction, simplifying the travel process.
Integrated Travel: The service provides a smooth transition between train and plane, with optimised transfer times at Frankfurt Airport.
Transfer Guarantee: A significant advantage is the transfer guarantee. If either the train or flight is delayed, Lufthansa will rebook passengers onto the next available connection.
Check-in Convenience: Travellers can check in for both their train and flight online or via mobile, starting 30 hours before their flight departs and up to 15 minutes before their train departs.
Boarding Pass as Ticket: The Lufthansa boarding pass is also the train ticket.
City-Ticket Inclusion: Recently, Lufthansa has expanded its cooperation with Deutsche Bahn (DB). Now, Lufthansa Express Rail bookings include the DB City-Ticket in 26 German cities. This allows customers to use local public transportation to and from the Express Rail train station.

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It was the first expo created to drive new collaborations, investment opportunities, and cross-border partnerships by bringing together tourism, trade, and business leaders from three nations (Nepal, India, and China).

As one enthusiastic delegate posted on Facebook, the historic tri-nation tourism expo in Pokhara, with buyers and sellers from Nepal, India, and China, will strengthen tourism ties and unlock new opportunities for MICE tourism.

“This initiative marks a significant milestone in positioning Nepal as a tourism hub between its two giant neighbours while strengthening regional cooperation. A united effort in tourism can boost economies, create new travel experiences, and bring people closer across borders,” said panellist Nandini Lahe Thapa.

Apart from industry insights and networking sessions, NICE 2025  highlighted the need to grow business events tourism, reflected in the keynote presentation delivered by the Pacific Asia Travel Association CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid and the banner headline over the stage “NICE for MICE.” 

NICE Nepal India China Expo was the first tri-nation expo hosted in the Pokhara Event Centre from 24 to 26 February and organised by the PATA Nepal Chapter in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board, Ministry of Industry and Tourism (Gandaki Province), Pokhara Metropolitan City, Pokhara Tourism Council, and other key public and private sector partners and stakeholders. Chief Guest at the event was the Honorable Badri Prasad Pandey – Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation – Government of Nepal.

Pokhara Metropolitan City’s Mayor, Dhan Raj Acharya, expressed his happiness and pride in hosting NICE 2025 in Nepal’s tourism capital, noting it was the most significant event ever held in Pokhara that would significantly boost the city’s tourism promotions. 

The landmark event brought together the world’s two largest outbound travel markets, India and China, for an event hosted in Nepal.

Show organisers estimated that on the opening day, the three-day event attracted close to 800 delegates and VIPs, including 150 regional buyers, 100 exhibitors, 20 speakers, and 25 media from the three countries.

“The primary goal of the expo was to explore Nepal’s tourism potential in India and China and to promote opportunities for integrated hospitality businesses, the PATA Nepal Chapter said in a press statement.

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The initiative focused on increasing business events with a wellness theme geared to delivering mindful and meaningful MICE encounters.

Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) headed a group of 12 Thai exhibitors from Bangkok and Phuket who pitched for business leads from potential buyers attending  AIME 2025.

TCEB president Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya stated that the “bureau crafted the campaign to deliver professional collaboration and industry expertise in Thailand to ensure clients holding events in Thailand can achieve mindful and meaningful MICE journeys, making Thailand a truly high-value-added destination.”

 The campaign capitalizes on Thailand’s world-renowned medical treatment and wealth of luxury wellness products and services, which adopt a holistic or mind-focused approach. These can be featured in pre- or post-tours and workshops for event delegates.

The post TCEB presents ‘Meet Well’ at AIME 2025 appeared first on TTR Weekly.

New student fare benefits: The special fares provide students with up to 10% discount on base fares on all flights, 10kg extra baggage allowance, and the option of a one-time free date change upon booking on Air India’s direct channels, including airindia.com and the Air India mobile app. 

The special student fares are available for bookings in the economy, premium economy and business cabins.

“With these new student fare benefits, we are making it easier and more affordable for young travellers to explore the world, connect with different cultures, and broaden their horizons. At Air India, we are committed to supporting students on their educational journeys and to making full-service flying more accessible and a rewarding experience for students”, said Air India Chief Commercial Officer Nipun Aggarwal.

Additional savings: Air India currently does not charge any convenience fee on mobile app bookings, which enables student travellers to save an additional INR 399 on domestic flights and up to INR 999 on international flights. Travellers can unlock further savings when paying via UPI, net banking, or credit/debit cards issued by Air India’s bank partners on airindia.com or the Air India mobile app. With these offers, students can potentially tap a 25% discount.

Student fare requirements  

• At least 12 years of age on the day of domestic travel.
• Aged between 12 and 30 years on the day of travel for international travel.
• Enrolled in a full-time course for at least one academic year.
• Attending an educational establishment recognised, aided by, or affiliated with a central or state government, educational board, university, or accredited school or college.
• Carrying a valid ID card or acceptance letter from their school, college, or university, or have a valid student visa.

Student fare bookings are available only on Air India’s direct channels: Air India’s website, mobile app, customer contact centre, and airport or city ticketing offices.

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According to the statistics released by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the performance closes in on the record high of 1.2 million travellers achieved during the pre-pandemic 2019.

Looking forward to 2025, the country will host large-scale international events, ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 delegates per event.

TCEB president Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya commented: “With the record performance in 2024, TCEB aims to achieve higher at 1.4 million overseas business event travellers in the 2025 fiscal year.” 

During the 2024 fiscal year, the top 10 market sources were China, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Germany, the US, and Japan. Focusing on the European and UK markets, the top five were Germany, the UK, Russia, France and Italy.

Conventions lead the business events sectors, recording close to a 200% increase in delegates over 2023, followed by incentive travel, exhibitions and meetings. 

One major highlight for the conventions sector was the 74^th FIFA Congress, held last May in Bangkok. Thailand became the first Southeast Asian nation to host the football governing body’s congress.
ICCA Congress in Bangkok, with 1,100 attendees, was the largest annual gathering of ICCA ever held in the Asia-Pacific.

Events line up in 2025

In 2025, Thailand is again poised to record growth as the country will be hosting various TCEB-supported international events covering many industrial sectors.

Money 20/20 Asia 2025, a fintech event, will take place in Bangkok in April, with an anticipated 5,000 attending delegates representing start-ups, financial bodies and tech enterprises.

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) World Diabetes Congress 2025, due in April in Bangkok, will attract 10,000 attendees. This will be the first time that this world congress has established a foothold in the Southeast Asian region.

The Asia Pacific Life Insurance Congress (APLIC 2025), which will be held in May 2025 in Bangkok, should attract 10,000 delegates, including life insurance agents and professional financial consultants. 

THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2025, a premier trade show dedicated to food products and beverages, innovation and technology, will convene in Bangkok in May. It is one B2B highlight in Thailand’s exhibition calendar and should attract 85,000 participants.

*MICE: Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions.

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Organised by RX, the 8^th edition should attract over 3,500 representatives of the aviation industry in Asia, influencers in the airports and airlines community, and 150+ exhibitors, including solution providers and airport equipment suppliers, to connect, find synergies, build partnerships, and innovate.

As the aviation industry advances and new airport projects and investments surge globally, groundbreaking innovations are essential to drive its transformation. Themed “Airport Operations for Tomorrow” conversations at the exhibition and conference will highlight innovation, technology, and sustainable solutions to optimise terminal and ramp operations of the future.

Asia drives the majority of airport projects

With visitor arrivals projected to reach 564 million in the Asia Pacific, the region is now positioned at the forefront of significant airport development, leading the global aviation recovery. APAC currently boasts 575 existing or new airport projects, valued at a staggering USD488 billion, while the investment at existing airports amounts to 170 projects, valued at USD217 billion.

“Thailand is one of the high-growth emerging aviation markets in Asia-Pacific. The passenger volume is expected to double by 2032, and Thailand will be one of the top 10 markets in total passenger traffic by 2042,” said Airports of Thailand EVP, Foreign Affairs Latchida Apaphant.

To manage the increased passenger capacity, AOT has developed a strategic master plan that includes the construction of new airports, expansion of existing facilities, and upgrades to key infrastructure to enhance capacity to accommodate 240 million annual passengers (MAP) by 2032,  

“To make Thailand a regional aviation hub and to bring Suvarnabhumi International Airport to rank among the top airport operators by 2037, massive investments are also being made to procure automated technology and biometric identification systems to reduce international passenger processing times. Given the increasing complexity of airport operations, the Inter Airport Southeast Asia conference offers an exhibition to explore emerging technologies for the future of airports,” she concluded.

Latchida will join C-suite speakers confirmed at the Inter Airport Southeast Asia conference. For the list of speakers, visit www.interairport-southeastasia.com. 

According to Airports Council International (ACI), global passenger volume is foreseen to reach 9.5 billion in 2024, while the Asia-Pacific region is said to lead in year-on-year (YoY) growth in 2024, with a 13% increase, reaching 3.4 billion passengers by year-end. With air travel playing a vital role in global trade and tourism, the sector must adopt innovative approaches to make airports more sustainable and resilient.

Inter Airport Southeast Asia 2025 will highlight global and regional solutions that support the scaling up of airport tech to boost operation efficiency and greener solutions in ground operations to reduce carbon emissions. Prominent exhibitors include ADB Safegate, Alstef Group, BSLBatt, Charlatte Manutention – FAYAT Group, Dynell GmbH, ElectroAir, Fastcharge GSE, ITW GSE, JBT AeroTech, Runway Safe Group, Roypow, Smith Detection, TLD Asia Ltd and Weihai Guangtai Airport Equipment.

All registered professionals for Inter Airport Southeast Asia 2025 will be granted free access to both the exhibition and conference floors. 

Inter Airport Southeast Asia will convene from 25 to 27 March 2025 at the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

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With inclusive flights, transfers and accommodation between cruises where necessary, a combo cruise is the perfect way to immerse yourself in Asia’s diverse cultures and experiences in one trip, all from the comfort of Pandaw’s luxury river ships.

Halong Bay, Red River & Laos Mekong
21-NIGHT COMBO

The original Pandaw combo cruise sails through the dramatic valleys of the northern Mekong between Laos and Thailand and along the rarely explored Red River into the spectacular Halong Bay. The last remaining cabins for this popular combo are available through 2024/25. Due to scheduling restrictions, this itinerary will take a break for 25/26.

The Full Mekong Four Country
21-NIGHT COMBO

Pandaw’s newest and most adventurous combo expedition yet sees intrepid travellers sail along all navigable stretches of the Mekong River through Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. Taking advantage of high water in the early season, the cruise explores further upstream than any passenger vessel, including a crossing of the Tonle Sap Lake for a true adventure across Indochina. This exciting itinerary is sold out for 2024, and bookings for 2025 dates are filling up quickly.

Ganges & Brahmaputra
14 or 21 NIGHTS COMBOS

The 14 and 21-night Ganges & Brahmaputra expeditions offer guests the chance to experience the wide variety of life in India. Sailing along the sacred Ganges before heading into the remote Northeast for an unforgettable journey along the Brahmaputra river, guests can experience India’s wide variety of life. New dates for 2025/26 have just been released for stateroom bookings, offering a chance to explore this iconic river aboard Pandaw.

To book your combo cruise with Pandaw, visit pandaw.com or email us at information@pandaw.com

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The start-up session, organised by the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and partnered with the Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA), aimed to position Sarawak as the gateway to Borneo and a transit point for Asian travellers.

“A primary objective of the campaign is to position Sarawak as a major entry point for travellers to Borneo, with Sarawak being the gateway to a world of unparalleled experiences, including Kalimantan, Sabah, and Brunei,” said STB’s Director of Marketing (ASEAN & Domestic) Barbara Benjamin Atan.

The roadshow moved to its second venue in Johor Bahru, where the Sarawak tourism team conducted a wrap of the ‘Sarawak Gateway to Borneo’ Business Networking Session for the travel trade and corporate event organisers to unlock new business opportunities from Peninsular Malaysia. BESarawak reported that the Sarawak Tourism Board and MATTA teams made both events possible.

For more information on planning an event in Sarawak visit: https://businesseventssarawak.com.

For more information on exploring Sarawak visit: www.sarawaktourism.com 

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The flashy video transformed this 132-year-old street into a stage for Lisa’s globalised performance, with the familiar backdrop of neon lights highlighting this historic, vibrant street.

With the establishment of Chinese communities in Thailand after the founding of Rattanakosin during King Rama I’s reign, Chinese immigrants initially settled near the Grand Palace area. Following the palace’s construction, they relocated to Sampeng, forming a new community.

Later, between 1892 and 1900, Yaowarat Road was constructed during King Chulalongkorn’s reign (King Rama V), becoming a vital trade centre between the Chinese and foreigners. 

Yaowarat has witnessed change throughout the eras. Yet, at its core, it remains a commercial centre for the Chinese and Thai-Chinese communities. Historically, the area served as a crucial trading hub for imported goods from China and its profusion of gold shops, earning Yaowarat the nickname “the Gold Road,”  Even today, the gold shops remain the most prominent businesses along the historic trading street.

*Lalisa Manoban, also known as Lisa, is a 27-year-old Thai rapper, singer, and dancer. She is a member of the internationally known K-pop group Blackpink. Lisa recently made her solo debut with the single “Rockstar,” which was released on 28 June 28, 2024. The music video was shot in Bangkok’s Yaowarat district and gained over 85 million YouTube views on 7 July.

The charm of Yaowarat lies in its vibrant tapestry of past and present. Generations weave together, with modern shops nestled beside those preserving their heritage. Faded photographs displayed within shops and original wall tiles evoke a sense of nostalgia, whispering tales of Yaowarat’s long history.

The Yaowarat market showcases the continuous cultural life of the Chinese community, selling everything for life’s milestones, from daily necessities to joss papers. Here, handmade Chinese traditional clog shoes are found alongside flowing cheongsams, while the air is filled with pungent pickles and herbal medicines. This vibrant space caters to everyone, whether seeking a cultural experience or simply wanting to reminisce about childhood memories.

Even for visitors unfamiliar with Chinese culture, Yaowarat offers a multitude of day-trip activities. Art galleries and graffiti art coexist with trendy cafes and bars in classic buildings. Classic noodle bowls and a wide variety of street foods — Yaowarat’s true rockstars —await exploration by visitors.

Visiting Yaowarat is easy via the MRT Blue Line. Visitors stepping out at Wat Mangkon Station on Charoen Krung Road are immediately greeted by Yaowarat’s vibrant energy. Bustling food stalls, shops, hidden museums, and even Michelin-recommended restaurants are all within easy reach.

Capture Yaowarat’s Endless Story Through the Lens

Yaowarat’s temples and shrines, such as Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, Kwang Tung Shrine, Lee Ti Miew Shrine, Tai Hong Kong Shrine, and Leng Buai Ia Shrine, showcase ancient rituals blending with the vibrant pulse of Bangkok’s Chinatown. Leng Buai Ia Shrine, at Charoen Krung 21, is the oldest Chinese shrine in Thailand, with a plaque dating its construction to 1658.

Hidden among the joss paper shops in Charoen Chai Alley (Charoen Krung 23), Charoen Chai Community Museum is the first and only community museum in Chinatown. This little historic row house tells the story of the opera artists’ families who once lived there.

The Yaowarat marketplace is a vibrant hub of traditional Chinese culture. Brightly coloured stalls overflow with an array of items, from everyday necessities to religious symbols. Shoppers can find an assortment of red and gold decorations, paper goods for ceremonies, traditional footwear, and various containers and utensils. This lively market reflects the rich cultural heritage and continuous traditions of the Chinese community in Bangkok.

Yaowarat Market isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it’s also a haven for the taste buds. The market offers a wide range of delicious food highlighting the rich Thai-Chinese culinary culture. Visiting the market without indulging in or taking away some of these delectable daily delights is almost impossible.

Gold trading in Yaowarat traces its origins to the early Chinese immigrants who settled on the famous street or in nearby alleys and lanes. These pioneering traders brought a tradition of gold craftsmanship and trading, establishing Yaowarat as the premier destination for gold in Thailand. Over the years, the gold shops have become iconic, symbolising wealth, prosperity, and cultural heritage. Today, bustling shops selling gold stand alongside others that, though no longer in the trade, preserve their original buildings and display cabinets – silent testaments to Yaowarat’s glorious history.

Yaowarat embodies a blend of old and new. Many historic buildings stand as a testament to their architectural heritage. New businesses have been established within these classical structures, preserving their old-world charm while embracing modern lifestyles. Visitors can experience this unique blend firsthand, even at the MRT Wat Mangkon entrance, where the classical ambience is carefully preserved.

When the sun sets over Bangkok’s vibrant Chinatown, Yaowarat transforms into a bustling culinary paradise that attracts locals and tourists alike. Known for its lively atmosphere and diverse flavours, Yaowarat street food offers a tantalising journey that explores the living legends and local wisdom that imbues Thai-Chinese culinary delights.

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